My mother’s side of the family is from New Orleans. I have such fond memories of visiting family there as a girl, and staying at my Aunt Lorraine’s large brownstone in the French Quarter. I’ve made it back a couple of times as an adult, and really enjoyed the Mardi Gras festivities. Since Katrina left her mark on New Orleans, most of my Louisiana family has relocated to Texas and Florida, although I still have one Aunt a few cousins who have refused to let mother nature scare them away. I’ve decided to go back to my family’s roots and plan a Mardi Gras party for my friends and family here in rural Georgia.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and this is such a CUTE and easy recipe to make during the fun and lovvy season! Making Gumdrops (which includes applesauce) just requires a few ingredients and your favorite people to make them. This would be great for a Classroom treat or to make a homemade Valentine’s Gift for someone that you love!

Valentine's Day is a special day for me because it is me and Robert's anniversary! I know, pretty cheesy, right? We actually don't celebrate outside of the house anymore because everyone else is celebrating, so we usually stay home and go on with our daily routine. Then we wait til the day or weekend after to actually where he wines and dines me :)

We seldom used the table and chairs that were in the kitchen, so I thought that space could be put to a better use with a buffet to store dishes, glasses, and misc kitchen stuff. I looked everywhere for a vintage buffet to fit the space and had the storage that I wanted....no luck. So, I asked H if he thought he could custom make me one and of course he said yes....gotta love that guy!

Who doesn’t love an easy and inexpensive craft? These simple Valentine’s Day cupcake lights are so easy to make, so sweet to display, and so easy on your wallet! With just a few dollar store supplies, you can make a set of your own and add some glow to your Valentine’s Day décor. Take a peek below and get inspired, as the season for sweethearts is almost here!

This Momma Loves

American Girl Valentines

Got a girl who loves her American Girl dolls? I know both of mine do- and most of their friends! Here are some a-doll-able Valentines that they can share with all of their friends- and their dolls!!

These Cookies & Creme Cookie Butter Balls are a perfect last minute addition to any party! Now, I don't know about you, but when I'm planning a party I tend to look for quick and easy foods that can be eaten standing up and with your fingers. That usually means a menu of bite sized tasty goodness. But just because it's small, doesn't mean it can't pack loads of flavor!

Here is a great Daily Goals Plan Your Life Printable that would go great with my To Do List Printable to help organize your life and time. The Daily Goals Printable has a feature spot for your tip 3 goals, a things to do list, shopping list, call back list, appointments area and a cute little space to help keep track of your daily water intake. The weekly sheet is great for keeping track of your appointments using a week by week sheet. When used together with the Daily To Do List Printables you can easily create a really cute binder system to help keep yourself just a little more organized.

We believe many things even though we cannot see them. We believe there are nice things inside wrapped presents, even though we cannot tell for sure until we open the box. We believe we have a heart, and it is the right size although we have never actually seen our own heart. We believe there are rocks on the moon, even though we have never been to the moon.

Mid-Thirties…… They are interesting. You really start going from looking like a kid, to a full fledged adult. Whether you want to or not. The little lines around your eyes start to, not only appear but make a daily appearance. The “smile lines” (you know the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth) are always there. And those dark circles that you use to only get when you got no sleep and had a bit to much wine, also start showing up on a normal basis. Ugh… no more simple flawless skin, that you forget to take care of.

I've been making this recipe for years. The first time I made it was for a party for our birthing class. That was for my first baby, Morgan, who is now almost 29! After we had all had our babies, we got together for a picnic/party in a park on Mother's Day. We were all first time parents. It was so fun to see each other's babies and share our birth stories. And the dessert was a hit!

Now that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, red velvet everything is in high demand! You might even see another red velvet recipe from me next week, I’m sorry, I can’t help it. It’s a problem, I know! LOL.

Terms like "Wedded Bliss" should not exist...because we all know that marriage is never pure joy 100% of the time. Heck, you're one of the lucky ones if you're batting 500 consistently. No matter how wonderful your spouse is, it takes an incredible amount of patience to create and sustain a happy home.

All of a sudden it looked complete. And it looked like we did it on purpose, which was my end game all along. I wish I could take credit for this, but Charles gets all the props, top to bottom. I think I’ll keep him.

We already had the two Ikea bookcases, which were given to Charles for helping a friend move. The stacking kit for the washer and dryer, with tax and shipping, cost $28.42. So we came in under $30. Woop woop!

Hey y’all!!! We are still fighting the flu over here and man it has been rough (and a little scary at times). This is the first day I have been able to drag my butt off the sofa to whip up some yummy treats to share with you.

Sooo Valentine’s Day is coming up and it is on a Saturday, woo!! Oh wait, I’m a mom that means there are no babysitters out there because they are all celebrating with their Valentines. I don’t mind though, spending Valentine’s Day snuggled up on the sofa with a new movie, a bowl of popcorn, my husband and a warm shared quilt is the perfection.

Link up your funny stories, DIY posts, crafts, decorating, fashion, makeup, health & fitness, recipes, mommy moments -- anything at all, as long as it is family-friendly.Please visit some other bloggers and make some new friends and say hello to old friends..

Please leave me a comment , I love to hear from you.

Please Link to your family friendly post

I'd love for you to grab my party button for your blog party site but it's totally optional

Please No adult content blogs

Please do not add links to shops or selling websites (they will be deleted from the party)

Adding your link to this blog hop gives Sew Crafty Angel permission to share your posts and pictures via social media and as features on Sew Crafty Angel And Co-Hosts. Note- All features on Sew Crafty Angel And Co-Hosts will be linked back to the original source .Social media features are linked back to the linky party.

Friday, January 23, 2015

I have found that being a paper fanatic has increased by leaps and bounds when I started creating my own custom art planner. My first few planner posts were about goals and functionally; with a bit of whimsy added.

I've started stuffing it full of fun and pretty paper, adding washi fabric tape and stickers, I have more sticky notes than I know what to do with, and I can't help but doodle on any page that isn't already full.

I love this book. It is the ultimate junk journal.

It's full of so much that I treasure.

Thoughts, memories, pictures, photos, and pretties.

So sit back with a cup of coffee and enjoy a few pictures with me.

Hopefully they will inspire you to throw a bit of creative whimsy into your everyday life.

Art Planner Dashboard

Here I've cut tabs from full sized file folders. The front adventure seekers page is a hard clear plastic that I trimmed down from another planner and added a stack of sticky notes to. Down the side are 3 magnetic bookmarks (from toys 'r us believe it or not). Goes to show that you can find goodies anywhere.

On the left is my collection of sticky notes and paper clips. With the exception of the lace and the cat, I created the bows and heart clips myself. I love how pretty they are; and the best part was they where super easy and inexpensive to make. Next week I will have a little tutorial post on how to easily create your own clips or page markers. In no way would you have to be a super crafter to create these. This post will be for anybody whose interested regardless of experience. Even the supplies are easy to find. And the clips work great for planners, journals, and books.

Weekly Spread Sheet

I made these pages out of plain notebook paper. Nothing heavy duty or pricy. I simply trimmed it to fit, added holes, and used a rounded corner punch to make the edges look a bit more unique. A ruler and a bit of washi tape made it look sleek and colorful at the same time and the homemade bow paper clip holds my place perfectly.

Homemade bookmark

I made this very over-sized bookmark to easily find my place in my blogging to do section. It's just a bit of scrap paper, stickers, and washi tape. Something so simple has the ability to inspire me every time I see it. The words themselves just touch me. It may not be fancy but it is powerful.

Inspirational Pages

The very first page of my Thoughts & Ideas sections is a list of a few inspirational quotes. It's just something for me to have to read when I'm having one of those days. I hate yuck days, but I still don't want to waste them. I'll never have another chance at that day and so many people where not even granted the gift of that day...so this is a pick me up page. Something to help set me on the path of realizing that the trials I go through today will make me who I am tomorrow.

Note and Sketch Section

Pretty paper with plenty of room for scribbles of all kinds. What's not to love?! On the left is the back side of my file tab. I'm still decorating it but have added a pocket; but I think it still needs a little love.

On the right is my first page of doodles and scribbles. It's pretty much just a list of ideas for an upcoming birthday. I doodle while I think of things to add to the list. I find it fun and very relaxing. Now that I have it full of scribbles, I think I'll pull out some colored pencils and continue to enhance it while I think of more ideas for my list.

So this is my week in art planner pictures. It's been a wonderful way to throw color into my everyday. Especially the ones where I don't really have time to sit at a craft table and create. Finding some way to take something ordinary and make it yours is such a fun art.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Pretty paper or drawing paper; any type of paper is a toy for me. It makes it difficult to complete a journal because as soon as I get new paper I want to try it. By the end of any given day I'll have several art journals and sketch books scribbled in. I've often wondered if I should tear all the paper from my books and store them all together in a ringed binder. It would be the best of both worlds; trying many types of new paper while still keeping all my work together.

Would I still be able to field journal with it? I have the feeling that I would have it stuffed so full that it would be difficult to travel with. Maybe one day I'll be brave enough to destroy a book and give it a try.

A Collection Of Journals

From top to bottom;

New drawing paper. Super thick and amazing quality. Perhaps a new favorite.

Sketchbook. Beautiful cover, light weight, and purse size.

Art journal. Huge pages with lots of room.

A view of the inside.

Cuddlebug Cuties Works in Progress

Cuddlebug Cuties Works In Progress

Bear, Fancy Dumbo Furbaby

And of coarse, Bear is almost a constant fixture on my work desk. He's now litter box trained and doesn't mark, so I love to spend the day with him supervising. He'll just quietly rest on my markers and watch. I can even snack while working and he won't budge. Never sticks his nose in my plate; just sweetly waits to be offered nibbles. My pups aren't even that well behaved, lol.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

I've noticed that I really don't spend much time crafting in my art room. I would love to, but it seems my son and I bounce from one room to the next; and at times, when we get cabin fever, we hit the road. Sometimes the road takes us to grandmas, sometimes the library for story time, or sometimes the park if the weather's nice.

I have found that it can be quite handy to have a few little travel art kits with different supplies that can cover several projects. I like for them to be small so it's not a hassle going from one room to another and they also fit into my purse easily.

I have a few marker kits with preselected favorite color combinations, that are great for daily crafting. The pouch is actually a padded iPad zipper pouch. These are great. They're so roomy and lightweight. Each kit contains a few preprinted digital stamps and variety of skin tone copics; as well as matching hair and clothing colors.

I have found these little kits to be a super helpful way to create while being on a mom schedule. Something as small as a makeup pouch could hold a wealth of goodies and be a huge time saver when searching for supplies.

I am excited about my collab post with Amber from Daydreaming Beauty today! After Amber sent me some nail pins to look at, we decided to show off our own versions of the ombre dotted nail! This was easy to do and SUPER cute. I got so many compliments from strangers when I had this on!

Making your own homemade Nutella is much easier than you think and it tastes just as heavenly as the store bought version. Fill a pretty mason jar or other similar jar with a batch and it makes a lovely handmade hostess gift. Tuck some in a basket alongside some pretty towels and other kitchen gear for a housewarming gift. Need a teacher gift? Add a personalized coffee mug and a box of cocoa to a basket for breakfasts on the run.

This past weekend, I co-hosted a Beach Themed Baby Shower for my sweet friend. She’s having a girl and has named her Coraline. The baby’s room is all beach themed so I decided that needed to be the theme for her shower. The colors were coral and shades of teal.I handmade her shower invites:

It is here, it is official, the ball has dropped and it is 2015! Happy New Year, it’s the second day of 2015. I wonder how many times I will write 2014 before it sinks in With the arrival of the new year many will be sharing their list of resolutions, goals and inspired self-improvements. I rarely have a list of resolutions when a new year arrives. That doesn’t mean I am not resolute when it comes to goals and improvements.

An elderly woman in our town was walking along the icy sidewalk on a busy street when she tripped. Numerous cars drove by. People walked by. But no one stopped to help. Apparently no one could take the time from their hectic day to rescue a woman with bad injuries from a fall on the ice.

We live in a world where the “me-first” mentality is evermore evident with each passing day.

Hello lovely friends, Do you remember my Oreo Surprise Cupcakes with Cookies and Cream Frosting? Then how about another yummy cupcake recipe for all of you?.It’s not a secret that I love cupcakes, and if you think about it, who doesn’t??? LOL. I’ve made these delicious Reese’s Peanut butter Chips Cupcakes with White Chocolate Chips Frosting that turned out really good, my brother had like 3 in one sitting! Hope you like them too!

Today I wanted to share with you my picks for the Best Cruelty Free Makeup for $5 or less. If you’re shopping for cruelty free budget beauty items, you may not know the best places to look. Never fear! You can find some great buys at Ulta, the drugstore, or online (my personal favorite place to shop!).

Here is a delicious appetizer for your Superbowl Party that uses another game day favorite in the base-beer! This Bacon Beer Cheese Dip will go quick off your party table. Use your favorite ale, lager, or light beer to create a flavor you will love and your guests will be begging for more of!

I wanted to try out a few different colors and since I have a huge collection of mason jars for canning I had some to spare. I had both matte and gloss Mod Podge so I decided to try both and see if they had any difference in the results (they didn’t).

My husband and sons love anything that involves the combination of meat, cheese and bread and in the winter it just seems like we are running around so much during the week with basketball practices, Variety Show practice, Brownie meetings, etc. This is one of my go-to recipes for a busy weeknight or when we want something “snacky” (it’s a word!) to watch the game!

Besides the bathroom, the kitchen is one of those areas of the house that tends to get messy very quickly. If you are anything like me, just making a snack can leave a mess, especially if that snack is made by a child. On top of the messes and crumbs, there is the task of trying to keep everything organized and out of the complete chaos zone. To help you stay on top of it all, here are 7 Organized Kitchen Ideas orKitchen Hacks as we love to call them!

Now while one of my resolutions is to eat healthier, thinking I'll add oatmeal to the list of things I would try, (since I am not a huge fan of oatmeal cookies), my husband Loves, loves, loves Oatmeal cookies! As much as I love baking cookies, oatmeal cookies, as you guessed are not my favorites, but I love my husband, so when I do make oatmeal cookies, I make sure to put lots of chocolate in them.

I’ve been wanting to share this post with you all for a while now, especially with cold season. Many of you know that I am a essential oils fanatic! I absolutely love them and they work amazing for my family. The best thing about essential oils is that they are natural and you can do so much with them, like DIY Shower Steam Disks to Alleviate Congestion.

After indulging a bit too much over the holidays, I'm taking a break from sweets and focusing on savory dishes this week. While I experiment significantly with desserts, I maintain a more limited repertoire when it comes to savory recipes. During the week we tend to get stuck in a culinary rut of a few standby dishes. There are plenty of dishes we enjoy cooking (hibachi and bourbon ancho chili pork chops are among are favorite), but most of them require a significant amount of time and energy. It's difficult to find dishes that are flavorful, but simple enough to cook after a tiring day of work.

I have a one word for 2015 and a verse to pray over my family. You can read about those here. I decided I am going to try two other things this year, as if my calendar is not already full with substitute teaching, keeping my grandson on Fridays and another grandson due in less than four weeks, and leading on-line Bible studies which you can join here.

Although we tend to associate Strawberry recipes with the summer months, you will want this recipe for year round occasions. My husband makes this fabulous Strawberry cake with Strawberry Butter Cream frosting for our family. It is the most requested cake in our family.

Every so often, I get asked if it’s really possible to make money blogging. And then I’m asked to explain how I monetized my blog. I’ll get to that second question, but the short answer to the first one is: yes.

The long answer is: yes, but it’s not fast, not easy, and not always reliable.

You can make money blogging. But you had better love it (write about your passions), because you’re going to do it for free for a very long time before it starts paying off.

Pasta with 30-minute Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs #MeatballMasters

I made a delicious and easy dinner using Johnsonville® Meatballs as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars. All opinions are my own. And my family’s…because they like to be vocal and opinionated whenever food is involved. #MeatballMasters

Sometimes cooking for a family of seven is not an easy task. Sometimes, like this past week with the holidays and the flu that’s been going around, I just need a few easy meals that I can fall back on. One of my family’s stand-by meals for those nights that no one wants to think about what to cook is spaghetti and meatballs – it’s an easy Italian dinner that tastes great but doesn’t take all night to prepare.

This is a Print & Go Vocabulary Pack to use along with your Family Unit. It includes 20 worksheets to review and consolidate the new vocabulary words. It that can be used at school or home. Children can cut and paste, match pictures and words, fill in the blanks, color by the code, trace the words, associate pictures and beginning sounds, count the letters, sort and match family members.

Next time you are looking for a different kind of Mac and Cheese recipe, do try this Creamy Ham Casserole ! It is a scrumptious dish and my only regret is waiting this long before I tried the recipe which I have pinned months ago already.

I adapted the recipe quite a bit, as I wanted to use ingredients which I had on hand and also had some leftovers of, but taste wise it should not have that a big impact on the original dish.

Sometimes simple is best and a beautifully decorated vanilla cupcake is always classic. Vanilla buttercream is so fun, its versatile and easy to colour so its fantastic for themed cakes or for that extra bit of glamour.

Link up your funny stories, DIY posts, crafts, decorating, fashion, makeup, health & fitness, recipes, mommy moments -- anything at all, as long as it is family-friendly.Please visit some other bloggers and make some new friends and say hello to old friends..

Please leave me a comment , I love to hear from you.

Please Link to your family friendly post

I'd love for you to grab my party button for your blog party site but it's totally optional

Please No adult content blogs

Please do not add links to shops or selling websites (they will be deleted from the party)

Adding your link to this blog hop gives Sew Crafty Angel permission to share your posts and pictures via social media and as features on Sew Crafty Angel And Co-Hosts. Note- All features on Sew Crafty Angel And Co-Hosts will be linked back to the original source .Social media features are linked back to the linky party.